Social learning

Social learning is a dynamic and interactive approach to employee learning and development (L&D) that emphasizes collaboration and knowledge sharing among peers. 

It moves away from traditional, top-down training models and instead recognizes that we learn best through interaction, connections, and shared experiences. This can happen through mentoring programs, group discussions, peer-to-peer learning, communities of practice, and networking conversations.

The effectiveness of social learning is supported by the 70/20/10 model, which suggests that 70% of learning comes from on-the-job experiences, 20% from social interactions, and only 10% from formal training. This highlights the importance of creating a workplace where social learning is embedded in the way people work and interact.

Why is social learning important? 

Social learning taps into our natural human tendency to learn from others. It acknowledges that knowledge isn't confined to formal training materials but resides within the collective experience of the workforce. By fostering a culture of social learning, organizations can:

  • Close skill gaps more effectively
  • Access and retain institutional knowledge
  • Create a culture of continuous learning
  • Increase collaboration and innovation
  • Drive engagement, retention, and performance 

Scaling social learning for greater business impact

While all forms of social learning are valuable, structured programs that are intentionally designed to achieve specific organizational and employee goals can have the greatest impact.

A good mentorship platform can deliver personalized social learning experiences at scale, so you can align social learning pathways with specific roles, talent groups, or business objectives. For example: 

  • General Career Development: Increase retention and foster a culture of continuous learning and development through social interaction, knowledge sharing, and mentoring.
  • Leadership Development: Cultivate future leaders by connecting high-potential employees with peers and experienced mentors. 
  • People Manager Effectiveness: Enable managers to learn from each other, share best practices, and drive high-performing teams. 
  • Early Talent: Accelerate the development of new grads, co-ops, and interns by connecting them with mentors and peers. 

It's crucial to create a workplace where social learning is embedded in the way people work and interact. This means integrating collaborative learning experiences like mentorship, peer-to-peer learning, networking, and group learning initiatives into the daily workflow. By doing so, your organization can unlock the full potential of its workforce, foster a culture of continuous learning, and drive greater success.

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